If hit with a blunt object (in my case, a gun) that knocked them out, how long would be a reasonable amount of time for someone (a teenager) to be unconscious, and, most importantly, how would they feel when they woke up? And is there any way to have a concussion and not lose memory?

First of all, let's define TBI vs. concussion. This is a little confusing. Mild concussion may be considered a type of TBI, where there is clear neurologic impairment at some point in time (confusion, amnesia, difficulty concentrating or feeling slowed down). Being unconscious isn't necessary for the definition of concussion, FYI.

Mild TBI is defined as a person who, 30 minutes after the trauma, knows who they are and where they are; can open their eyes spontaneously; and obeys commands.In mild TBI/concussion, most people won't lose consciousness.If they do, it's for less than a minute. If Melody need her character to be unconscious for longer, the character would have to pay the price by having more issues with amnesia and other symptoms, and it would have to be clear that the hit to the head was quite severe.

Many people with mild TBI/concussion may have a loss of memory surrounding the incident. Even without losing consciousness, it's common for the sufferer to repeat questions over an over again ("What happened? How did I get here?"). However, that may not last for long. However, the longer the person stays unconscious from the trauma, the larger the period of time they might suffer from amnesia.

How would they feel when they woke up? Here's a run down of some common symptoms:

pain or swelling (the goose egg!) in the area of the injury; possibly broken skin over the scalp and a good bit of bleeding (scalps have a rich blood supply)

headache

dizziness and/or vertigo

stumbling; possibly unable to walk a straight line

nausea and vomiting

emotions out of proportion to situation

slurred speech

disoriented

inability to concentrate

vacant staring

slowed or delayed speech

Hope this helps, Melody, and thanks for the great question! And all of you out there--wear helmets when you should, and please avoid being pistol-whipped. I wish I could with the same for our characters, but then the stories would be less interesting, wouldn't they?

Please keep in mind this post is for writing purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice.

One of the characters in my books falls down and hurts his head really badly. This post will help me in giving the character and his injury and the subsequent problems that arise from that injury, an accuracy that was earlier missing. Thanks, Lydia.

I use to work ABI/SCI at a spinal center. It broke my heart watching families deal with personality changes. In many cases quiet, sweet individuals became vulgar and aggressive. I always thought about writing a story with a heroine caring for someone with an ABI.

Ah, this brings back memories... or rather, a big honkin' lack of memories. :P Three concussions = temporary blindness, nausea, E.R. visits I barely recall, and absolutely no memory of any of the impacts. Fun times. :P

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